Fife ready for biggest step out of lockdown

Fife will take its single biggest step out of lockdown as restrictions are finally eased on Monday.
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A sense of normality is set to return across our towns after a full year in lockdown, with the re-opening of non-essential retailers - and the long-awaited return for the hospitality sector.

Leisure centres, gyms, libraries and museums are also opening their doors once more, while weddings and funeral services will now be able to have up to 50 guests.

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The changes come as Scotland moves from Level 4 to Level 3 - but some restrictions will still apply as the Scottish Government underlines its message to stay safe.

Business re-opens from MondayBusiness re-opens from Monday
Business re-opens from Monday

Hospitality will have to close at 8:00pm indoors and 10:00pm outdoors - and venues can only serve alcohol outdoors.

Indoors at pubs, restaurants and cafes, up to six people from a maximum of two households will be able to meet.

In outdoor eating and drinking areas, that changes to up to six people from six different households.

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Rules will also be enforced to ensure that contact details for all customers – not just for the lead member of each group – will be taken to bolster contact tracing should there be an outbreak.

Businesses across Kirkcaldy town centre have been working behind closed doors to get their premises ready for Monday.

Many hospitality venues have been taking bookings for tables, but some ‘wet’ pubs - which don’t sell food - are facing a further delay in re-opening, with May 17 their most likely first day back in business.

Fife Sports And Leisure Trust reported over 1000 places snapped up within 48 hours of launching its online booking service ahead of its venues re-opening next week.

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And OnFife has unveiled its plans to re-open its libraries, museums and art galleries - but Fife’s theatres will remain closed for several months yet.

The decision to increase attendance at weddings and funerals to up to 50 will be welcomed by many families, but any receptions held cannot include alcohol.

Non-essential informal childcare, repair work in people’s homes - including cleaning, painting and decorating - all start up again from Monday, along with driving lessons and driving tests.

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